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When Ishbia decided to promote Gregory to the GM role, putting an NBA neophyte in the position that had been held by former player (and three-time champion) James Jones since 2018 (including the Suns’ 2021 Finals run), his longtime friend and former coach gave a blunt assessment of how he thought the unconventional move would be received. “He was like, ‘You’re gonna get blasted for this,’” said Ishbia, who is based in Detroit and attends approximately half of the Suns’ games. “And I said, ‘F— it. We’re gonna do what the right thing is.’ I got blasted when I did everything everyone wanted me to do. Give them the money, make all these big splashy trades, do all these nice things — and I got blasted for that. So if I’m gonna get blasted, I’m going to get blasted with what I believe. And what I believe is that you are the best guy for this job.”
NBA Communications: Atlanta Hawks forward Mouhamed Gueye and Minnesota Timberwolves center-forward Naz Reid have each been fined $35,000 for their roles in an on- court altercation, it was announced today by James Jones, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations. With 11:52 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Timberwolves' 138-116 victory over the Hawks on Feb. 9 at Target Center, Gueye committed a defensive foul on Reid by pushing Reid from behind. Following that action, Reid approached Gueye, and both players subsequently grabbed each other's jerseys in an aggressive manner. Both players were assessed technical fouls and ejected from the game.
NBA Communications: BULLS' SEXTON FINED NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2026 - Chicago Bulls guard Collin Sexton has been fined $35,000 for making an inappropriate gesture on the playing court, it was announced today by James Jones, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations. The incident occurred with 1:31 remaining in the third quarter of the Bulls' 123-115 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Feb. 9 at Barclays Center.
NBA Communications: Boston Celtics guard-forward Jaylen Brown has been fined $35,000 for public criticism of the officiating, it was announced today by James Jones, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations. Brown made his comments to the press and on social media following the Celtics 100-95 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Jan. 10 at TD Garden.
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/kDUKMWWeRG
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 12, 2026
NBA Communications: SUNS' JALEN GREEN FINED NEW YORK, Dec. 30, 2025 - Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green has been fined $25,000 for using profanity when interrupting a teammate's live television interview, it was announced today by James Jones, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations. Green made his comments during an on-court interview at the conclusion of the Suns' 115-101 victory over the Washington Wizards on Jan. 29 at Capital One Arena.
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Mat Ishbia: "So what I said was — well, what do we have? We had a pretty good team. We were the nine seed. I know everyone thinks we're still the 2021 NBA Finals team, but that was two years earlier. We were the nine seed when I bought the team. We were just a little over .500." "And I said — and James Jones, who’s a great GM — I said, 'What do we need?' And he’s like, 'We were never allowed to go over the luxury tax.' So I said, 'Go for it. Let’s go over the luxury tax. Let’s go for it. We have a good team. We have Devin Booker. We have Chris Paul. We have Deandre [Ayton], Mikal [Bridges]... What do we have to do to win a championship? I'm all for it.'" "And we made some decisions. And by the way, don’t get me wrong — I’m not acting like I didn’t know about the decisions. I wasn’t involved, but my DNA is on this team and this organization going forward for the next 50 years. So — get ready."
NBA Communications: ORLANDO'S BANE FINED NEW YORK, Dec. 8, 2025 - Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane has been fined $35,000 for throwing the game ball with force at an opponent in an unsportsmanlike manner, it was announced today by James Jones, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations. The incident, for which Bane was assessed a technical foul, occurred with 6:13 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Magic's 106-100 loss to the New York Knicks on Dec. 7 at Madison Square Garden.
NBA Communications: PHOENIX'S BROOKS FINED NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2025 - Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks has been fined $25,000 for making a lewd gesture on the playing court, it was announced today by James Jones, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations. The incident occurred with 54 seconds remaining in the second quarter of the Suns' 133-98 win over the Indiana Pacers on Nov. 14 at Mortgage Matchup Center.
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Shams Charania: The Phoenix Suns are naming a new head of basketball operations, promoting vice president Brian Gregory as the franchise’s new general manager, sources tell ESPN. James Jones, the Suns GM since 2019, will transition to a role as senior advisor for the franchise.
Gerald Bourguet: Officially official: Suns name Brian Gregory as their new GM, James Jones will move into an advisory role. Statement from Mat Ishbia: “Brian has been a valuable member of our front office, playing an integral role in drafting and developing our young players”
Gerald Bourguet: Suns also announce Oronde Taliaferro as assistant GM and Paul Rivers as Chief Innovation Officer Ishbia statement on James Jones: “James’ contributions have been instrumental to our organization, and we appreciate everything he has done for the Suns on and off the court”